Wednesday 1 March 2017 07:47, UK
Everton manager Ronald Koeman has revealed that a return to the club for Manchester United skipper Wayne Rooney would be welcome, in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News HQ.
Rooney, 31, came through the Everton academy to make his debut in 2002 at the age of just 16, going on to score his first league goal with an iconic strike against Arsenal in just his 10th Premier League appearance for the Toffees.
The England skipper transferred to Manchester United in the summer of 2004 for £25m, and has been at Old Trafford ever since.
Rooney has been linked with a return to Goodison Park in recent years and former boss David Moyes and Everton defender Phil Jagielka have said the striker would like to, something Koeman is also keen on.
"I still think Wayne Rooney is playing at a high level and he made a good choice staying at Manchester United and in the Premier League," said Koeman.
"He still has two or three years in front of him to play at the highest level. What will happen at the end of the season, I do not know? In my opinion he's one of the players who can make Everton stronger than they are now.
"It's all about what the players likes, what Manchester United need to do and we are not involved in that project. Every player who we feel can make the team stronger is welcome at Everton."
Next up for Koeman and his side is a trip to face Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1HD, with the club on a run of nine games unbeaten.
